Stage Right! 6 Theatrical Productions Your Kids Will Love

Kids saving all their drama for you, mama? Then take those little thespians to a theatrical production to show them what real acting looks like. Watch their eyes light up and their imagination soar as performers bring classic stories to life. We’ve found six upcoming shows that set the stage for fun. That’s your cue to keep reading…

Poway Center for the Performing Arts: Treasure IslandBudding actors and actresses will be inspired by this rendition of Treasure Island brought to the Poway Center for the Performing Arts by the traveling Missoula Children’s Theater (MCT). Treasure Island, an adventure novel written by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, is a tale of buccaneers and buried gold. Theatergoers can expect plenty of adventure as they follow a young boy named Jim Hawkins on a quest to find a treasure island, overcome a crew of mutinous pirates and return to England with the treasure. Best suited for swashbucklin’ children ages 5 and up.

San Diego Junior Theatre: Junie B.Jones
Perhaps one of the best known junior theaters in all of San Diego County, the San Diego Junior Theatre (SDJT) in Balboa Park has been entertaining young theatergoers since its inception in 1948. This theater even holds the title of oldest continuing children’s theater program in the country! Their spring/summer schedule is jam packed with a wide variety of plays from classics like the Wizard of Oz to cult favorites like Junie B. Jones. Whatever show you and your little one choose, we’re sure you’ll be utterly wowed by the level of performance the young actors at the Casa Del Prado Theater achieve.

Insider’s Tip: If your kiddo gets bitten by the acting bug while watching the performance, check out the classes and camps that are offered by SDJT throughout the year.

Star Theatre Company: The Lion King Jr.Get transported to the jungles of Tanzania as you and your favorite cub settle in to watch The Lion King Jr. come to life on stage. Everyone loves rooting for Simba as he takes on adventures and overcomes struggles on his journey to become King of the Jungle. Designed by architect William Glenn Balch, the Star Theatre in Oceanside is one of Balch’s 17 theaters located throughout California and is now the last one still open. A visit to the Star gives you the opportunity to not only take in a memorable show but also to share a cool slice of Southern California history with your pint-sized theater aficionado.

San Diego Center for Jewish Culture: Willy Wonka Jr.“Come with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination…” Get ready to join Charlie Bucket on a sweet trip to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Oompa loompas, scrumdidilyumptions music and fantasy galore will have your sweetpea hoping this delicious adventure never ends. This tale is full of life lessons and is a must-see for people of all ages.

San Diego Civic Theatre: Finding NeverlandFrom dazzling on Broadway to shining in San Diego, the musical Finding Neverland, based on the Oscar-winning moving starring Johnny Depp, is family-friendly and poised to entertain. Finding Neverland tells the story of author J.M.Barrie and the family who inspired his greatest work: Peter Pan!

Insider’s Tip: This is one of the longer shows on our list, spanning 2 hrs and 40 mins, so it’s recommended for older kids ages 7 and up.

California Center for the Arts, Escondido: Beauty and the Beast
It may be a tale as old as time, but Beauty and the Beast never gets old, especially if you’re watching it live on stage with your favorite Belle fanatics. The classic story tells of Belle, a beautiful, book-loving inventor from a small town who dreams of bigger things, while the fearsome beast works on learning to love and be loved. The important message to “not judge a book by it’s cover” never goes out of style and the live performance is full of spectacular costumes and set design that are sure to impress.